Pages

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Infinity Samui, the official winner of the 'Best Condo Development' (Samui) is now completed and is offering payment terms on a few of the remaining units. There are currently 10 one & 2 bedroom units available ranging in size from 151 to 240sqm.

3. A loan up to 5 or 10years with 30% deposit at signature and over 5 years 7% interest or over 10years 10% interest.

Desciption

InfinitySamui is an exclusive and sophisticated low-rise, low density luxury apartment project. Comprising of just 67 stunning properties of 1, 2, 3 and 4 up to 7 bedrooms, InfinitySamui gives a superior quality resort lifestyle and great investment opportunity for its residents. All the units have access to a swimming pool, while the designs are boldly modern, maximizing functionality and space, as well as optimizing sea views and the natural light.

The unique location along the hillside to the Maenam beach renders residents a peaceful island living and unbroken, panoramic ocean view, yet only 15 minutes from Samui International Airport, which is serviced by Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways, providing extensive local and international flight connections.

Conceived as an enclosed, private domain with round the clock surveillance to maintain the utmost privacy and security, Infinity Samui will be operated by InVision Hospitality as a 5 star boutique hotel under Infinity Lifestyle Destination & Spa, by our professional hospitality team. Full facilities and services are on board such as Beach Club, wellness spa, fitness, squash courts, room service, housekeeping etc. The Santiburi golf course is only a few steps away from the development

Highlights

-Samui Island is rated as one of Top Ten Best Islands in the world by Conde Nast Traveller UK 2009.-InfinitySamui is an award-winning project, a new luxury apartment and enjoys exclusive hillside location and hotel standard operation.-All its tastefully modern-designed 67 units take unobstructed panoramic ocean views and have access to either public or private pools.-The 60-metre beachfront facilities will include a swimming pool, a bar and a restaurant, surrohttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifunded by pavilions.-The full 5-star resort facilities include gym, spa, clubhouse and Beach Club, featuring cutting-edge bar and restaurants.-Superior technical specifications.-Various international direct flights including from Hong Kong, Singapore and China.-Only 15 minutes from Samui International Airport and downtown

Monday, June 27, 2011

More than 10,000 apartment units in projects worth more than THB10 billion (US$324 million) in Bangkok real estate's prime area between Ploenchit and Sukhumvit soi 55 are driving up competition among property developers.

According to a survey by The Nation last week, both listed and non-listed firms have introduced more than 100 projects since last year and construction will be complete between the end of this year and 2013.

Condominiums along this route are in the price range of THB80,000 to 200,000 (US$2,591 to 6,478) per sqm with the more expensive projects located between the Ploenchit intersection and the top of Sukhumvit Road and prices ranging from THB80,000 to 150,000 (US$ 2,591 to 4,859) can be found between sois 10 and 55.

Noble Development president Thongchai Busrapan said that after bookings for Noble Ploenchit opened from June 19 to 22, the company achieved presales worth THB7.2 billion (US$233.1 million), or half of the total project value of THB14 billion (US$453.3 million).

"Although this location has high competition, our project is freehold, which is difficult to find in this area, where most projects are for long leasehold contracts," he said.

According to a survey by the Real Estate Information Centre, demand in this location is sufficient to absorb the high number of condominium launches as both local and foreign buyers have driven condominium prices 10 to 20% higher than their presale prices, depending on how close they are to the skytrain.

The Phuket property market is recovering from the Global Financial Crisis but has yet to bounce back to the boom levels of 2007, a recent report from Colliers Thailand has found.

The report made not of the distinction between inland areas of Phuket, which contain the vast majority of units, and the coastal areas, which contain less properties but have higher capital values. 2010 was one of the rare years when more condominium units were supplied than landed properties, which usually dominate the market. Around 1,020 units were supplied for 2010 while up to 200 units were supplied up to May in 2011. Most of the units are located inland and at present and the Thai domestic market is the main driver.

The high end coastal market, which is dominated by foreigners, has yet to return to its peak before the financial crisis. "In many ways the glass at present can be perceived as half full or half empty depending on whether you are comparing with the period around 2006-7 or the situation in 2009," said Antony Picon, Associate Director of Research at Colliers. "High end buyers are coming from a wider range of countries, not just Europe, with Hong Kong, Russia and the Middle East becoming key markets now," he added.

Developers are reconsidering their marketing strategies to suit the changes in buyer profile. "One development called Kamala Falls is being marketed as a halal investment, including a women-only swimming pool, in order to appeal to Muslim buyers" said Picon.

In fact Kamala and the surrounding area on the North West coast is the up and coming location for high end development. Millionaire's Mile contains plenty of land available for future development of luxury properties. An interesting prospect will be Phuket's future as a marina for superyachts. Asia is fast becoming a cruising destination to rival The Caribbean and Mediterranean with less crowded waters in which to sail. "Wealthy Asians are now a strong buying force for superyachts and Phuket's status as a renowned yachting destination through its marinas and exotic outlying islands could be enhanced through further development and boost the high end property market still further," said Patima Jeerapaet, managing director of Colliers Thailand. In fact the whole area encompassing Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi could evolve as the world's premier yachting destination in the future with Phuket as the main hub. "The Phuket brand stands for luxury," said Patima.

One other important factor in Phuket's favour is the growing number of international direct flights especially as result of the proliferation of Low Cost Carriers. Mr Picon believes this leads to greater numbers of tourists coming to Phuket which will eventually translate into property buyers. "The residential market in Phuket for foreigners has yet to return to the pre Lehman days but it is well positioned when buyers from the traditional markets in Europe and the United States return to compliment to growth of the emerging markets," he added.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

With Krabi enjoying improved infrastructure and lower competition than in Phuket, the Bangkok based property developer Perry Group International is investing 1.9 billion baht in a hotel, villa and condominium complex on 40 rai of this southern province after holding onto the plot for a decade.

The Pelican Krabi will feature 96 condos, 50 villas and 140 hotel rooms. Improved infrastructure and a low-key competitive atmosphere are putting this southern province in the spotlight.

Executive director Andrew Ngamsappasilp said now was the time to launch a project in Krabi. Road quality has surpassed Phuket's, and a new airport terminal and runway expansion will be completed this year, lifting the number of daily flights to 16 from 10 and supporting Boeing 747 jumbo jets.

A new modern hospital, Srinakarin International, with 200 beds, will be completed next year, accommodating Krabi tourists who must now travel to Phuket for Western standard medical care.

As well, the retail giants Big C and Tesco Lotus have entered the province in the past two years, highlighting the potential for growth.

Andrew: Better roads, more daily flights

"Krabi's property market remains less competitive with limited supply, while Phuket's is marked by high competition and price dumping," said the 28 year old, second generation family member. The Ngamsappasilp family has been active in the property business for more than two decades.

The Pelican Krabi, now being built on a seaview plot on Klong Muang Tab Kak beach at a total cost of 2.2 billion baht, will comprise 96 condominium units, 50 villas and a 140-room hotel.

Launched in March, the condos are 30% sold with a Thai-foreigner ratio of 3:2.

Units will range from 81 to 189 square metres priced from 70,000 baht per sq m. These will be completed by next year's second quarter.

A rental programme will be offered to condominium buyers.

Mr Andrew said that at estimated average occupancy of 50%, condo room rates of 4,800 to 6,200 baht a night would yield 8.9% a year.

With 25% of buyers expected to be Singaporean and 50% Scandinavian, an office has been opened in the city-state and a representative appointed in Malmo, Sweden.

The project is expected to be sold out by January.

Mr Andrew said the group will next year launch sales of the villas, priced from 13.5 million to 22 million baht for units on lots ranging in size from 60-120 square wah.

A rental programme will also be offered for these.

The hotel will be operational in three years, targeting the four star market, as there are already 10 five and six star hotels with more than 1,500 rooms at this location, said Mr Andrew.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Here is the latest selection of properties just added onto the Koh Samui Property listings page.

Chaweng Residence - a spectaular sea view property over looking the whole of Chaweng. Boasting 1,000sqm of built up area spread over 3,500sqm of landscaped gardens. This property offers 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and under cover parking for up to 4 cars.

Narai Kiri Villas - big villas on big plots!! There are 2 completed villas available within this project with either 7 or 8 bedrooms all with amazing ocen views. It is also possible to purchase a plot and design and build your own villa.

Napasai Residence - These beach front villas are designed and managed by the infamous Orient Express Group - enough said!!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

In every established property market, the super prime properties are a segment on their own. Super prime properties do not follow the mass market, neither do the super rich buyers whose criterion and judgement are far removed from the general market trends. London, for example, clearly reflects this. While the majority of the UK market has not recovered back to its peak, the super prime market has continued with its own momentum and doesn’t track the general overall market.

Transactions and prices are driven by strong demand from international investors from Russia, China, India and the Middle East for a limited and specific super prime stock. London has traditionally been the most sought after global property market and one which has proved to be a good long-term investment. London offers super prime projects such as One Hyde Park which in itself attracts affluent international investors.

While elements of the Bangkok property market are experiencing a glut of supply and their prices are flat, Bangkok lacks variety in the super prime market. My definition of super prime properties is those priced over THB 200,000 per sq.m. with an outstanding location, quality and facilities. In late 2007, The Sukhothai Residences was the first super prime property to sell off plan and attracted both elite Thai and foreign buyers. After the global crisis, the market for luxury properties declined globally, but demand is now rebounding. In Bangkok, we have recently seen a few more super prime projects being launched off-plan including The Ritz Carlton Residences and the St. Regis Residences which is completed.

Many people tend to raise the question why these properties command a price premium over and above the market average of THB 125,000 to 150,000 per sq.m. for other high-end condominium projects, and how strong the demand is for super prime properties in Bangkok. My answer is yes, demand is strong, but only if the projects tick all the right boxes which is expected from a super prime project by international standards.

Location is undoubtedly the most important factor. From an international perspective, Bangkok is a popular tourist destination and a regional hub in Southeast Asia. Location wise, the prestige addresses in the CBD which are well connected with an upmarket surrounding are the most desirable. The areas which can compare to Manhattan in New York and Knightsbridge in London will be the areas commanding the premium. One key criteria for location includes uninterrupted spectacular views such as Lumpini Park or the skyline which can add value and premiums. However, it is important to ensure that if all units do not face the main views or are on low floors, they are offered alternative views such as pool or landscaped gardens.

Iconic designs and celebrity architects often go hand in hand with super prime properties. While it is difficult to attribute the percentage of premium generated by a celebrity architect, they often add intrinsic value to the project in addition to design values. The quality of design and functionality is ensured and in many instances the projects become a landmark itself. For example, Mahanakorn where the Ritz Carlton Residences is located boasts a cutting-edge building design by OIe Scheeren. Interior design, whilst subjective in its appeal, must also be the right style and reflects the project’s character and express the feel of luxury through the design, use of quality materials and workmanship.

Along with the design, quality specifications are mandatory for super prime projects and an aspect which developers cannot compromise on. Buyers of super prime properties will expect a level of quality and the latest technology to be incorporated. The use of premium brands for sanitary ware, kitchen cabinets and fittings, appliances and branded furniture, for example, will convey a sense of quality.

Branding is another aspect which is closely associated with super prime projects, from the use of five-star hotel operators, the architect which sometimes is a brand itself, or a developer such as Aman which is an internationally known developer and hotel chain. In Bangkok, most super prime projects to date are associated with five star hotel chains, The Sukhothai, Ritz Carlton and St.Regis. The use of a brand guarantees a level of service and property management which ensures the property upkeep and value appreciation.

The project scale also directly impacts exclusivity. Most successful super prime projects globally feature under a 100 units. Low density and exclusivity are mandatory for the super rich market. However, the number of units will also depend on factors such as pricing, market conditions, planning regulations and financial feasibility.

Lastly, the services and amenities offered by the development must also exceed the basic amenities offered in other projects. Facilities such as a sizable pool and gym, steam and sauna rooms are expected, but to achieve the premium, super prime projects must offer the additional extras such as a spa, private lounge and concierge services.

All the above factors are achievable, but Thailand needs to work on construction standards and workmanship as many luxury projects today still suffer from defects and delivering flawless quality is essential for super prime properties. Buyers for super prime properties are driven by preference in choice rather than price and if all the key criteria have been met, I believe there is room for more super prime properties in Bangkok. The challenge in selling super prime off plan is in conveying the level of luxury and quality as attributes such project facilities, services and the overall atmosphere are not tangible until project completion.

Monday, June 6, 2011

There is no doubt that when planning wants to save money and attractive assets. You can not only help decorate your home landscape, but it can also be a source of satisfaction in the performance of fresh air. If you take your garden yourself, you save money and improve your fitness. But if the landscape makes it a bad image so that it wastes so much time and money. However, we can ensure a more beautiful The following tips will help you take better care of your garden. Know your soil type. Some plants thrive in soil with more acidity, and others prefer a little more alkaline. In addition, the sandy soil and clay, and the growing presence of the muddy ground, the difference in the type of plants in the landscape. You should test your soil to determine what types of vegetation must be installed on your property. If you have a plant that has succeeded in the soil of your garden, and then decide wiser to buy money, and you end up with an attractive landscape. If you have plants you use in your soil but the soil is not perfect, we can improve the soil for good conditions. Just add mulch or peat moss, or crushed limestone or shells, depending on what purpose you need to add. Currently there is not much difference in what you have and what you can get, you can make adjustments on the ground to be more accommodating. Understand how much space each plant needs. There are plants that need more space for their root systems than others. If you have a plant that grows throughout the world in general, choose, and you do not have enough space, you find that your other plants can be hunted or they may suffocate and die. Also, make sure you understand the requirements of the distance between plants. Many shrubs and small trees planted must be removed at least 3:57 m from each other, to have growth opportunities. Using native plants in landscaping. One of the most effective things you do to be able to ensure a beautiful yard is the use of native plants. Learn what plants grow best in your area and plants of the region. Thus, you will already have a head start that you know that the plants you choose are adapted to the climate. They are not fighting against the natural inclinations of your beautiful landscape. When you are non-native plants, make sure they come from a place that shares a climate similar to that in which you live. The landscaping around different flowering. Variety of flowers at different times during the year. If all plants are most attractive in the landscape, and at the same time, your garden will be beautiful for a few weeks each year, but it is quite possible ugly the rest of the year. One way to avoid this is to provide attractive bushes and shrubs, a green property, but also a way to choose a flower shape. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to hit the plants between them. Tulips and crocus among later plants, plants with flowers, spring bulbs as the beginning, and when the time of those flowers, and flowers, the next harvest. Thus, the cycle of your landscape is in harmony with the seasons and attractive throughout the year. Use wood chips around shrubs, trees and shrubs. Wood chips can help the soil around shrubs, trees and shrubs are more attractive. Distributed not only on chips (often looks better than dirt) floor, but also to help repel moisture, weeds and provide natural food as they decompose. Similarly, the amplitude can be adjusted as attractive as chickens and hens around trees and shrubs to make it interesting and pleasing to the eye.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Strong demand for beach front property in Hua Hin is leading to growing competition for seaside land amongst developers and rising prices. According to Risinee Sarikaputra, associate director of research and consultancy at Knight Frank Chartered (Thailand), beachfront condominiums are difficult to find due to the scarcity of beachfront land in the area, thus the selling prices are expected to increase.

There will also be more demand from foreign buyers due to the convenience of the location with its complete facilities.

"The lack of good beachfront land plots in Hua Hin has resulted in condominium development moving south to Pranburi and north to Cha-am," said Risinee. "Currently, there are many big players entering the market. This will increase the tension to smaller scale companies and privately owned ones that have developed in the area. The next surge in Hua Hin condominium developments is most likely to take place in Khao Takiab, Cha-am, and Pranburi"

Major players in the current Hua Hin market include Quality Houses PLC, Charn Issara Group, a joint venture between CMC and St. James Hotel, Sansiri PLC, and Land & Houses PLC.

According to Knight Frank Thailand Research, the total condominium supply in the Hua Hin area as of the end of 2010 was 6,504 units, accumulated since 2003. The figure is for the cumulative supply in Cha-am, Hua Hin, Khao Takiab, Khao Tao and inland areas. The large volume of additional supply was shown in 2007, with about 2,121 units, followed by 1,506 in 2008 and 778 in 2010 respectively.

There were many additional supply added in the inland area during 2007 and 2008 particularly in the South Hua Hin area because of convenient access to public transportation and close to many shopping centres, restaurants and other facilities.

In Q1 2011, there were 38 condominium projects, comprising 4,751 units, being marketed. Most of these projects are located in Khao Takiab area, with 1,449 units, followed by the inland (1,241) and Cha-am areas (1,015).

Based on the Knight Frank survey, the majority of unit types being marketed are two and one bedroom units, accounting for 41 per cent and 38 per cent of the total supply respectively. The market shows a low supply of the three bedroom (6 per cent) and four bedroom (1 per cdnt) types.

Around 42 per cent or 1,928 units of the total supply in Q1 were beachfront projects, while non-beachfront projects accounted for 1,588 units, representing 33.4 per cent of total. The units of inland projects accounted for 1,241 units.

Currently, there are 10 condominium projects with a total supply of at least 1,500 units planned for development in Cha-Am and Hua Hin. Of which, only three projects are new condominium developments, while the rest are expansions of existing developments.

Risinee added that most of the future projects would be located in the inland area, while a project developed by Prime Nature Group will be located in Cha-Am. Another project will be in North Hua Hin, where SC Asset recently bought a 10-rai land plot.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Thai listed developer Noble Development has launched its latest residential Bangkok condominium development, worth almost THB14 billion (US$462.35 million), in the bustling area of Ploenchit in downtown Bangkok. The project is expected to appeal to Thai buyers looking for a home in the city or to investors.

The Noble Ploenchit project will be located close to Ploenchit BTS on a 9-rai land plot, of which six rai was acquired from Raimon Land last year for the record price of THB1.2 million (US$39,630) per square wah, and another three rai was purchased from the Juengrungruangkij family.

"The plot is one of the most prime locations in Bangkok as there are no condominiums in this area, and it neighbors areas such as Siam Square and Chidlom," said Thongchai Busarapan, Noble Development's managing director.

According to Thongchai, the project will consist of four buildings comprising three residential buildings of 50, 45, and 14 storeys, totalling 1,442 units, as well as one three storey office building.

"A condominium project with over 1,400 units may sound a lot but when compared to our plot size, the ratio is not high at all," said Thongchai.

The residential units will be available in four different configurations including one, two, three bedroom units and penthouses with private swimming pools. The sizes range from 40 sqm to over 200 sqm. Prices start from THB5.9 million (US$194,850) or THB148,000 (US$4,890) per sqm.

"Each unit at Noble Ploenchit will have a private lift access. This will be the first time in Thailand that a condominium will have this kind of facility as in the past only penthouses would have such privacy," he added.

The project will introduce the new environmentally friendly and energy saving cooling system 'Central water cooled system', which eliminates the use of an air conditioning compressor. It will also dedicate 4 of its 9 rais land plot for gardens and green space within the development.

The construction, valued at almost THB9 billion (US$297.2) in total, will start in June next year and will be slated for completion in 2016.

Noble Development chairman and chief executive officer Kitti Thanakitamnuay said the Ploenchit area will become a 'Vertical Garden City', the new city centre where important commercial and hotel facilities will be located.

"Once the Park Venture building is completed this year, and the Central Embassy shopping centre and 6 star hotels such as the Park Hyatt Hotel Bangkok and The Okura Prestige Hotel Bangkok in the coming years, we can say that Ploenchit neighbourhood will become a world renowned new commercial district like La Defense in Paris, Canary Wharf in London, and Roppongi Hills in Tokyo," he said.